Guides for lifters

Straight answers about strength apps, Garmin watches and getting stronger.

Comparing apps

• Best strength training apps for Garmin watchesFive ways to log a gym workout with a Garmin watch, what each one does on the wrist, and how to pick by your watch and phone.
• Does Hevy work with Garmin?Hevy has no Garmin watch app, and its own help centre explains why. Here is what that means and what logs sets on a Garmin today.
• Apps that raise your weights automaticallyFive workout apps that set your next weight and reps for you, how each one describes its method, and what to check before you choose.

Training and your watch

• How to log a gym workout on a Garmin watchTwo ways to track sets, reps and weight from a Garmin watch: the built-in Strength activity, or a Connect IQ app that logs each set.
• Why your Garmin miscounts repsA Garmin counts reps from wrist movement, so some lifts never register. What it can and cannot see, and how to log sets without it.
• When should you add weight?Add reps until every set reaches the top of your rep range, then add weight. A worked example, and what to do when a lift stalls.
• How many sets per muscle per week?Weekly working-set ranges for nine muscle groups, how to count your own routine against them, and why a beginner needs about half.
• How to keep muscle while losing weightKeep lifting, keep the weight on the bar, eat enough protein. What to expect from your strength during a cut, and what counts as a win.